This is the latest saw from Stihl in the 70cm3 capacity class. It is designed for felling and pruning in medium-density and high-density stands. It is fitted with M-Tronic as standard, which is a fully electronic engine management system that adjusts ignition timing and fuel metering. Captive nuts on the sprocket cover make it easy to change the chain and prevent the nuts getting lost as they don’t unscrew completely – a clever thought, especially if you have to change the chain in deep debris. Tool-free fuel caps can be opened and closed with gloves fitted which will reduce downtime. A decompression valve when depressed makes starting the saw a lot easier as the strain is taken off the starting rope. A compensator is also fitted as standard which prevents the fuel-air mixture getting richer as the air filter becomes clogged in the carburettor meaning consistent fuel mixture. Bar lengths available for this model machine are 18in, 20in and 25in (45cm, 50cm and 63cm). Power output for this 6kg machine is 4.4kW (6bHp) and engine displacement is 72.2cm3. Prices start from €1,467.
According to Stihl, this is the world’s first petrol chainsaw with electronically controlled fuel injection and it will be lighter than current saws. The technology means the saw can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 0.25 seconds. With a power output of 5kW (6.7hp) and weighing 6.2kg, the MS 500i has a power to weight ratio of 1.24kg/kW. An added bonus with this saw is the absence of a carburettor which will apparently result in lower emissions. The MS 500i also boasts a simple starting procedure without a lever. No pricing is available yet for the saw, which is due to for release in early 2019.
This saw is designed for pruning and felling small to medium diameter trees, either from the ground or when working at height. Its compact 35.1cm3 engine is designed in particular for professionals. Bar length is 12in to 14in with power coming from the 2hp (1.5kW) engine. Prices start from €499 including VAT for the GST 360.
These protective trousers are fitted with eight-layer anti-cut protection for maximum chain-clogging should the saw come into contact with them. This layer extends through 180 degrees at the front of the trousers covering the majority of the area in which the operator is exposed to dangers of the chainsaw. The righthand pocket is specifically designed for holding the spark-plug wrench and they also come with lumbar support for added comfort. The trousers are both waterproof and breathable. Pricing starts from €109 including VAT and are available in a range of sizes.
Husqvarna are introducing a new saw which they say has a better power-to-weight ratio than any other Husqvarna saw with similar displacement. The saw weighs 6.6kg and has a 5.76hp (4.3kW) 70.6 cm3 engine with a 12% higher cutting capacity than previous equivalent models. Recommended bar length is 20” with a max of 28”. Husqvarna say AutoTune allows for a ten-times quicker air to fuel mixture adjustment. Prices for this saw start from €1,220 and will be available from mid-spring this year.
Husqvarna bluetooth battery range
New batteries from Husqvarna are the first range to come with bluetooth, making them connectivity enabled. The batteries are fully compatible with all existing Husqvarna battery powered products and chargers.
A run time of up to 3.5 hours is possible with the new batteries on a single charge when used on a hedge-trimmer, for example – this is ideal when working away from a power source.
Another benefit is that the batteries are water-proofed, which means they can be used in all weather conditions.
The bluetooth connectivity facilitates communication through the mobile app, Husqvarna Connect. Its advantage is it allows users to get support in maintenance and troubleshooting and lock/unlock their battery from within the app to prevent misuse.